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1. Step 1 — Core factors (A)
2. Step 2 — Spouse factors (B)
3. Step 3 — Transferability (C)
4. Step 4 — Additional (D)
5. Worked example
1. Step 1 — Core factors (A)
2. Step 2 — Spouse factors (B)
3. Step 3 — Transferability (C)
4. Step 4 — Additional (D)
5. Worked example
Or skip the math: use the free CRS calculator →
Step 1 — Core / human capital factors (max 500 single / 460 married)
| Factor | Single max | With spouse max |
|---|---|---|
| Age (20–29 is peak) | 110 | 100 |
| Education (PhD) | 150 | 140 |
| First language (CLB 10+, per ability 34) | 136 | 128 |
| Second language | 24 | 22 |
| Canadian work (5+ yrs) | 80 | 70 |
Step 2 — Spouse factors (max 40)
Education 10 + language 20 (5 per ability at CLB 9+) + Canadian work 10. Only applies with an accompanying spouse.
Step 3 — Skill transferability (max 100)
Five combos, each worth 13–50: education × language, education × Canadian work, foreign work × language, foreign × Canadian work, trade certificate × language. The 50-point tiers unlock at CLB 9 in all four abilities — the single most important threshold in the whole system.
Step 4 — Additional points (max 600)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Provincial nomination | 600 |
| French NCLC 7+ (all four) + English CLB 5+ | 50 |
| French NCLC 7+ (all four), English weaker | 25 |
| Canadian education (3+ yrs / 1–2 yrs) | 30 / 15 |
| Sibling in Canada (citizen/PR, 18+) | 15 |
| Arranged employment (job offer) | 0 — removed March 2025 |
Worked example
Profile: 29, single, Master's degree, CLB 9 in all four abilities, 3 years foreign work experience.
- A: age 110 + education 135 + language 124 + work 0 = 369
- C: education×language 50 + foreign work×language 50 = 100
- D: 0
- Total: 469 — competitive for category-based draws; borderline for general/CEC rounds in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum CRS score?
1,200 points: up to 600 from core + spouse + transferability (capped), plus up to 600 additional points (e.g. 600 for a provincial nomination).
Why is CLB 9 so important in the CRS?
CLB 9 in all four abilities maximizes core language points (124 single) AND unlocks the 50-point skill-transferability tiers — together worth far more than the raw language points alone.
Do I still get points for a job offer?
No. IRCC removed arranged-employment CRS bonus points in March 2025. It still counts 10 points toward the separate 67-point FSWP eligibility grid.